OceanSound Taps TPG Veteran to Lead In-House Capital Markets Push

NEW YORK, NY – March 10, 2026 – OceanSound Partners, a private equity firm with a sharp focus on national security and regulated technology markets, has hired TPG veteran Laura Noisten as Principal of Capital Markets. The creation of this new role signals a significant strategic evolution for the firm, as it moves to institutionalize its financing capabilities to support an aggressive growth trajectory.

Ms. Noisten will spearhead all capital markets and leveraged finance activities for the New York-based firm. She joins OceanSound after more than a decade in high-level finance roles, most recently as a Vice President in the Debt Capital Markets group at TPG. Before that, she worked at Credit Suisse in both the Leveraged Finance Capital Markets and Financial Sponsors groups. This deep experience in structuring and executing complex financing transactions for private equity-backed companies is precisely what OceanSound sought as it builds out its internal infrastructure.

A Strategic Move to Internalize Expertise

OceanSound's decision to create a dedicated capital markets leadership role is a direct response to its rapid expansion. Since its founding in 2018, the firm has grown its Regulatory Assets Under Management to over $7.5 billion. It has executed 12 platform investments that, in turn, have completed 54 add-on acquisitions, creating a portfolio that generates over $4.0 billion in revenue. With the firm now investing out of its second fund and actively fundraising for a third, the volume and complexity of its transactions have reached a critical inflection point.

“We are excited to have someone of Laura’s caliber join us to centralize and build out our capital markets activities,” said Joe Benavides, CEO & Founder of OceanSound Partners. “Institutionalizing our capital markets and leveraged finance capabilities is a critical step in our evolution as we continue to grow and expand our portfolio.”

By bringing this function in-house, OceanSound aims to gain greater control, efficiency, and sophistication in its financing strategies. Rather than relying solely on external banking partners on a deal-by-deal basis, an internal leader can embed capital markets considerations early in the investment process, cultivate a broader and more strategic network of lending partners, and continuously optimize capital structures across the entire portfolio. This proactive approach is designed to ensure access to capital through all market cycles and ultimately decrease the cost of debt, which can directly enhance investment returns.

Following a Broader Industry Trend

The move by OceanSound reflects a larger trend within the private equity industry, where maturing firms are increasingly building out their own specialized operational teams. As firms grow in size and AUM, the benefits of an in-house capital markets function become undeniable. It provides a competitive advantage in the fast-paced world of deal-making, allowing for quicker execution and more creative, bespoke financing solutions that external advisors might not prioritize.

Ms. Noisten’s experience at TPG is particularly relevant, as the private equity giant is well-known for its sophisticated, scaled internal capital markets platform. Such platforms operate almost as internal investment banks, providing a full suite of financing solutions and advisory services. By hiring a professional steeped in that environment, OceanSound is not just filling a role but importing a proven methodology for managing complex financial operations internally. This strategic hire signals the firm's ambition to operate at a level of financial sophistication typically associated with much larger, more established players.

In her own statement, Ms. Noisten acknowledged the firm's trajectory and the opportunity ahead. “I am delighted to join the growing and talented team at OceanSound Partners. The firm has built an impressive reputation for its consistent and differentiated approach to investing and driving transformational growth in middle-market companies,” she said. “I look forward to collaborating with the broader OceanSound team and our portfolio executives to optimize our leveraged finance capabilities, improve investment returns, and contribute to the firm’s continued success.”

Mastering the Maze of ADG Finance

The strategic value of this hire is amplified by OceanSound's specific investment focus: technology and tech-enabled services companies serving the aerospace, defense, government (ADG), and other highly regulated sectors. These are not typical middle-market companies; they operate within a complex maze of government contracts, stringent regulatory oversight, and national security protocols.

Financing investments in this space requires more than just financial modeling. It demands a deep understanding of the sector's unique cash flow profiles, long-term contract structures, and regulatory risks. Leveraged finance strategies must be carefully tailored to accommodate these nuances. Ms. Noisten’s role will be to navigate this intricate landscape, structuring debt packages that provide the necessary flexibility for growth while respecting the constraints of the end markets. Her expertise will be critical in standardizing the firm's approach to these challenges, ensuring that each investment is built on a sound and resilient capital structure.

As geopolitical tensions and technological advancements continue to drive investment in the ADG space, the ability to execute complex transactions with speed and precision becomes a key differentiator. By investing in top-tier capital markets talent, OceanSound is fortifying its ability to not only compete for the most attractive assets in its target markets but also to maximize their value post-acquisition. This move positions the firm to more effectively deploy capital from its current and future funds, ensuring it has the internal infrastructure required to manage its next major phase of growth in size and complexity.